To assess the effectiveness of a neurology lecture for medicine trainees

Studies suggested medicine trainees think of neurology as the most difficulty subject, and they have difficulty in diagnosing and managing neurological problems. To combat "Neurophobia", neurology education for medical trainees calls for an approach that is "simple, basic, straightforward, and important."

We developed a lecture focuses on diagnosis, management, and communication of common neurological conditions. The topics include acute ischemic stroke, seizure, and headache. A senior neurology resident delivered the lecture at the beginning of the academic year to internal medicine and family medicine residents. Five-point Likert scale surveys were distributed before and after the lecture to assess resident demographics and lecture effectiveness. Responses was collected for the academic year 2021 and 2022. Summary statistics were computed using only senior residents to assess the lecture effectiveness at various stages of training. 

Of 50 responses we collected, 42% of the respondents were senior residents. Following the lecture, residents reported greater levels of confidence in recognition of acute stroke (18% pre vs 66% post), communication with neurologists about stroke (10% pre vs 80% post), initiate first line seizure treatment (38% pre vs 68% post), communication with neurologists about seizure (18% pre vs 76% post), manage headache beyond acetaminophen (26% pre vs 72% post). Senior residents expressed they were more confident in communication with neurologists about stroke (10% pre vs 90% post) and seizure (29% pre vs 81% post), followed by recognition of acute stroke (33% pre vs 81% post) and seizure (52% pre vs 71% post) after the lecture. 

Our “simple, straightforward, and important” approach was shown to be effective among both junior and senior medicine trainees. The next phase of our project involves a “refresher” lecture six months into the training to improve retention.